MURRAY COUNTY, GA (WRCB) - Murray County Deputies have charged a babysitter in North Georgia for striking a 2-year-old. Investigators said the assault is caught on a cell phone camera by another child who then turned it into authorities.
The victim's mother Crystal Rogers told Channel 3 Eyewitness News she is devastated to see her child was apparently choking on camera before he was hit in the face.
"She was shoving food in his mouth and she was choking him, she wouldn't let him swallow and spit it out," said Rogers. "This has traumatized him I can tell…Everyday he asks if I'm taking him to Karen's' house and I have to reassure him that he doesn't have to go back,"
Deputies charged Karen Underwood with Simple Battery. Investigators said she's been running Karen's Kidz home daycare for several years.
"As a parent myself when you leave your children at school or at daycare you expect the best," said Sheriff Gary Langford, Murray County. "It's upsetting it shouldn't have happened."
Authorities said the video was taken by a 10-year-old girl who felt uncomfortable as she was being watched by Underwood.
"It is a miracle I'm so thankful for that little girl that she was smart enough to do what she done," said Rogers.
Channel 3 tried to get in touch with Underwood but didn't get any answers. Officials say keeping an open and honest relationship with your children is key.
"It's sad that this happens but now a days stuff like this does go on," said Sheriff Langford.
"You know it's a possibility that it could happen, you just don't ever think it's going to happen to you," said Rogers.
Officials said Underwood is out on a 2 thousand dollar bond on the special conditions that she not work for any other daycare or continue running her own. Investigators said Underwood's daycare has been shut down; her license has also been suspended. Sheriff Langford is encouraging parents to do their research when shopping for a sitter. If your kids feel something is wrong, teach them to tell a parent. Rogers tells Channel 3 her 2-year-old is doing better since he has been removed from Karen's Kidz daycare.
